Adam T. Naito

Dr. Adam T. Naito serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences at Northern Michigan University, where he began teaching in 2020. His work integrates field methods, GIS, remote sensing, and simulation modeling to study landscape-scale vegetation changes across diverse environments including Arctic Alaska, southwestern rangelands, Appalachian forests, and the North Woods.

His research interests focus on physical geography, landscape ecology, and GIS applications, with specific expertise in shrub expansion dynamics, fire ecology, and ecosystem services. Key projects examine industrial hemp biomass using lidar, hemi-boreal forest composition, rangeland services in the southwestern U.S., fire impacts on eastern forests, and Arctic vegetation change. His approach combines terrestrial laser scanning with field validation to quantify carbon storage and landscape processes.

Dr. Naito's recent publications reveal strong trends in applied remote sensing for ecosystem management, particularly using lidar to assess biomass and restoration potential. His work bridges fundamental landscape ecology with practical resource management challenges, especially regarding vegetation transitions in changing climates. The research spans Arctic tundra, desert grasslands, and temperate forests, demonstrating methodological consistency across biomes.

• NMU Faculty Emerging Leadership Award (2024-2025)
• NMU Excellence in Teaching Award (2023-2024)
• U.S. Senator Phil Gramm Doctoral Fellowship (2014)
• Multiple student awards including Outstanding Graduating Senior (2024)

As an advisor, he has mentored approximately 110 students, many now working in environmental science fields or pursuing advanced degrees. His grant portfolio includes the $64,703 Northern Woodshed Project examining forest composition and carbon storage. Professional service includes Secretary-Treasurer of ESA's Early Career Ecologists Section and active roles in AAG, AGU, and fire ecology networks. Current leadership roles involve NMU's Academic Senate and General Education Assessment initiatives.